Tea With a Pony

After 40 years of running our very successful riding sessions for disabled children, June 2023 saw the launch of a brand-new initiative – Tea With A Pony.

This initiative involves non-riding sessions for people living with dementia and other cognitive impairment.  The participants enjoy a cup of tea and cake before grooming or stroking the ponies, depending on how comfortable and confident they feel.  Our qualified RDA instructor tailors activities to meet individual needs.

Being around ponies can stimulate memories and feelings, and have a calming effect which in turn can reduce anxiety and stress.  Being outdoors helps to regulate the person’s circadian rhythm which, in turn, assists in promoting sleep.  The social interaction can also help to stimulate the brain. Although in its early stages, we have evidence already of the benefits arising.

Part of a national, RDA UK initiative, we were the first group in the Grampian and Highland Region to run a Tea With A Pony session.  The initiative has the full support of the professionals caring for people with dementia.  We regularly liaise with the Moray Dementia Advisor for Alzheimer Scotland (who is also one of our Trustees).

Do you have a spare hour on a Monday afternoon – fortnightly from 13.00 to 14.00 during term-time March to October?  Would you like a rewarding volunteering role?  Duties would include assisting our participants to groom and interact with our ponies, setting up, serving of tea and cake, and tidying away.  No previous experience necessary with either ponies or those with dementia.

If you know of someone who would benefit from Tea With A Pony, or would like to join our band of volunteers, please e-mail us for more information.